GENEVA, Switzerland / RankWire.AI / – INTERPOL and the World Health Organization have formalized a collaborative agreement aimed at addressing threats that intersect public health and security concerns. The announcement was made on October 16 from their respective headquarters in Lyon and Geneva. The agreement combines INTERPOL’s expertise in law enforcement with WHO’s leadership in public health, establishing coordinated measures to prevent, identify, and respond to risks that threaten lives globally. INTERPOL, which has 196 member countries, and WHO, operating in over 150 locations, will work together under this framework.
Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL, emphasized that the link between crime and health issues is growing stronger. He highlighted examples such as counterfeit medical products and the exploitation of vulnerable populations as evidence of how criminal networks jeopardize lives. Urquiza noted that this agreement enhances INTERPOL’s capacity to collaborate with WHO in safeguarding communities and ensuring perpetrators are brought to justice. The cooperation received support from INTERPOL’s General Assembly during its 2024 session in Glasgow.
Initially, the partnership will focus on extraordinary situations that necessitate joint health and security responses. These include cases involving suspected misuse of chemical or radioactive substances, as well as unusual biological events—whether occurring naturally, accidentally, or deliberately. Such scenarios often require rapid information exchange among police, health ministries, and emergency responders. Recently, WHO has warned of rising cholera deaths and other outbreaks that put healthcare systems under pressure. The new framework aims to facilitate cross-border coordination of these emergency responses.
Focus on Major Events and Organ Trafficking
In addition, the two organizations will synchronize efforts concerning large-scale international events and mass gatherings. Their goal is to prepare nations for potential health hazards in high-profile settings. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that health security is a facet of global security. He added that strengthening collaboration with INTERPOL enhances the collective ability to prevent harm and effectively respond to crises. Tedros further asserted that this alliance aims to shield people from threats that weaken health infrastructure and erode public confidence.
Another key aspect of the cooperation addresses the trafficking of individuals for organ removal purposes. The agreement also encompasses the illegal trade of human organs, tissues, and cells. The 2024 General Assembly resolution of INTERPOL listed organ trafficking among the health-related crimes of shared concern. It also referenced the misuse of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear materials. The joint initiative intends to enable national authorities to detect such crimes sooner and support investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Counterfeit Medicines and Tobacco Control Initiatives
The pact further targets the rising threat posed by illicit goods that directly impact public health. These include falsified medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and counterfeit personal protective equipment. It also covers unsafe or fraudulently labeled food and beverages, along with illegal alcohol production. In 2017, WHO estimated that roughly 1 in 10 medical products in low- and middle-income countries was either substandard or falsified, based on analysis of 48,000 medicine samples from 88 nations.
Joint efforts will also bolster the implementation of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into force on February 27, 2005, and now has 183 parties. By working together, INTERPOL and WHO aim to assist countries in identifying these dangers and safeguarding consumers. Additionally, they will reinforce international frameworks dedicated to public safety. INTERPOL’s 94th General Assembly session is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from November 30 to December 3.